Outdoor Watering Restrictions

As a reminder, our seasonal outdoor water use bylaw is in effect from May 1st through October 1st. No outdoor water use is allowed on Monday. Even numbered properties may use water outdoors on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday while odd numbered properties may use water outdoors on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Lawn watering is not allowed between 7 am and 7 pm on your day because a large amount of water is lost to evaporation when watering during this time. Irrigation during windy times should be avoided because much of that water is lost to evaporation in these conditions as well. During the growing season, lawns only require 1 inch of water, this includes any natural rainfall. Irrigation schedules should be adjusted regularly to account for natural precipitation.

Outdoor water use under the bylaw includes, but is not limited to, lawn and landscape irrigation (manual or automatic), filling and topping off of pools, car washing, power washing, watering of fruits and vegetables, and construction dust management.

This is also a good reminder to check your irrigation system and outdoor water systems for leaks, broken heads, and inefficient spray. You should also familiarize yourself with the operation and shutoff for any automated irrigation systems. Remember, it is your responsibility as a property owner to control your irrigation system in compliance with our outdoor water use bylaw. Any property that is observed not following the seasonal outdoor water use bylaw is subject to fines up to $200 per offense. Do not depend solely on your contractor to properly manage your controller.

Thank you for your continued assistance and cooperation in using Acton’s water resources wisely. It takes the entire community to enable a safe, sufficient, and reliable supply of water.

For additional information on local hydrological conditions and weekly drought status updates, please visit these links: